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Vintage Car Thread - Discussion and Parts Requests

SteveAS

Practically Family
Messages
841
Location
San Francisco
I'm pleased to introduce my first Golden Era car . . . a 1938 Buick Special Business Coupe. It has a 248 ci inline eight-cylinder engine and a three-speed manual transmission, with a shift lever on the floor. Here are a few pictures:

IMGP1168.jpg


IMGP1150.jpg


IMGP1172.jpg


IMGP1163.jpg


IMGP1156.jpg
 

SteveAS

Practically Family
Messages
841
Location
San Francisco
Amazing to see a coupe with a hood that long. Wicked sharp.

Thanks for the compliments, lady and gentlemen!

Lizzie, that long hood is one of my favorite stylistic elements of Buicks of this era! While my Special has a long hood, the 1938 Century has essentially the same body, but an even longer hood to accommodate its 320 ci straight eight.

001.jpg
 

Rathdown

Practically Family
Messages
572
Location
Virginia
I love pre-war coupés; in my book they are just about the ideal long distance touring car. Comfortable to ride in and with a huge trunk-- which allows one to over-pack, as well as providing space for things like ice chests, deck chairs, spare pars, tools, you name it, and it all goes in the back.
 

LizzieMaine

Bartender
Messages
33,715
Location
Where The Tourists Meet The Sea
Well, it turns out the Plodge is going to need a new master cylinder after all. But because it's a Canadian Dodge, it needs the Plymouth master cylinder -- which, for some reason, seems to be the rarest thing in the junkyard. You can get 1930-36 Plymouth MC and you can get 1942-54 by the dozen, but all I can find for the 1937-1941 version is "send us your old core and we'll resleeve it for you" places. Which I've made arrangements to do, but *why* is this particular MC so rare?

On the bright side, the valve came unstuck as neat as you please. Marvel Mystery Oil is a wonderful thing.
 
Well, it turns out the Plodge is going to need a new master cylinder after all. But because it's a Canadian Dodge, it needs the Plymouth master cylinder -- which, for some reason, seems to be the rarest thing in the junkyard. You can get 1930-36 Plymouth MC and you can get 1942-54 by the dozen, but all I can find for the 1937-1941 version is "send us your old core and we'll resleeve it for you" places. Which I've made arrangements to do, but *why* is this particular MC so rare?

On the bright side, the valve came unstuck as neat as you please. Marvel Mystery Oil is a wonderful thing.

Good to hear about the valve! I am glad it worked out for you.
Master cylinders are a kind of mystery as to what is available and what isn't. At least you found someone who can rebuild it. At least they make rebuild kits for them. :D
 

scottyrocks

I'll Lock Up
Messages
9,178
Location
Isle of Langerhan, NY
For some reason, manufacturers have an odd year or years.

For example, the 1979 Harley Davidson Sportster frame was its own animal, different from everything that was the same both before and after it. So, certain parts that are peculiar to the '79 because of the frame, for example the exhaust system, are just more difficullt to find.
 
For some reason, manufacturers have an odd year or years.

For example, the 1979 Harley Davidson Sportster frame was its own animal, different from everything that was the same both before and after it. So, certain parts that are peculiar to the '79 because of the frame, for example the exhaust system, are just more difficullt to find.

Same thing on the 73 Mach 1. The front end was unique to that year. Good luck finding the parking lamps if you screw one up. :p
 

Carl Miller

One of the Regulars
Messages
154
Location
Santa Rosa, Ca
Try finding a master cylinder and wheel cylinders for my '59 chevy 2.5 ton truck. Honing stones and the local heavy truck shop were my best friends. I dont know what I will do when the time comes that ill need wheel bearings or a brake drum. [huh]
 
Last edited:

normanpitkin

One of the Regulars
Messages
171
Location
London,England
exhaust manifolds for a straight eight chrysler!!! Not to mention a ring gear for same.....took a year for the first and had to weld the ring gear.All fixed now and off today to the UK's biggest American car show of the year ,Rally of the Giants.
Held this year at Blenheim Palace for the first time,can't wait!
 

Stanley Doble

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,808
Location
Cobourg
Andy Bernbaum lists prewar master cylinders at $129 to $145 but for your model he just says "call". NAPA does not list it either so it appears they may no longer be available through normal channels.

Here is Bernbaum's web site in case you need anything later. He is a specialist in antique Chrysler products.

http://www.oldmoparts.com/

They have the rebuild kit for $29.50. If your cylinder is not corroded or pitted it can be honed and rebuilt. Not all mechanics are aware of this, as it has been conventional practice to replace rather than repair for a long time.

Old cars that have been off the road for years often require a little use to come back into top form. There may also be a few minor repairs needed. If you work your way up to a trip of 50 or 100 miles with no issues then you probably have everything taken care of.

I bet you have some nice trips in that car. You seem to enjoy driving it.

I pay particular attention to all rubber parts under the hood. Not only rad hoses but fuel lines, heater hoses, fan belts etc. They seem to require replacing on general principles every 25 years.
 

1930artdeco

Practically Family
Messages
672
Location
oakland
Fortunately, you have a friend in the auto business. Join a local car club that either deals with your specific car or the Antique Automobile Club of America. People who drive these cars tend to have parts squirreled away or know where to get them. I am fortunate in having a Model A in that you can almost buy one brand new. And if I need anything specific to my car there is a forum and a club to ask. Lizzie, sounds like you are having more and more fun with your car, enjoy it.

Mike
 

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